(5) "Health risk assessment" means the use of objective data to characterize the potential adverse health effects that exposure to a toxic substance or a harmful physical agent may have on a person.

(6) "Toxic substance" means a substance that has or may have toxic, carcinogenic, mutagenic, teratogenic, or other harmful effects on humans, and includes a product that contains a toxic substance that poses or may pose a substantial hazard to human health.

(b) The chief administrative officer of each agency shall appoint the agency representative to the committee. A representative serves at the will of the chief administrative officer or until the representative terminates employment with the agency, whichever occurs first.

(c) The representative of the department serves as chairman of the committee.

(d) The department shall provide administrative support to the committee.

(3) the coordination of agency programs relating to the prevention and control of adverse health effects resulting from exposure to toxic substances or harmful physical agents;

(4) the establishment of an integrated system to collect and manage information relating to toxic substances and harmful physical agents; and

(5) public education concerning the use of toxic substances and harmful physical agents and the potential adverse health effects.

Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.

Sec. 503.005. HEALTH RISK ASSESSMENTS. (a) In its capacity to protect the public health, the department shall coordinate health risk assessments conducted under this chapter.

(b) Each agency represented on the committee shall consult with and advise the department concerning health risk assessment activities when beginning a health risk assessment. The agency shall consult with and advise the department when taking the action in an emergency or as soon as possible after taking the action. This section does not require department approval of the agency's action or health risk assessment.

(c) Each agency represented on the committee shall use federal standards and health risk assessments, if appropriate, and avoid duplicating federal efforts.

Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.

Sec. 503.006. POWERS OF DEPARTMENT. (a) The department may establish an information management system and may collect and evaluate information relating to the use of toxic substances and harmful physical agents.

(b) The department may enter into agreements or contracts with federal, state, or local governmental entities, planning regions, and other public or private entities to implement this chapter.

Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989.

Sec. 503.007. EFFECT ON OTHER LAWS. This chapter does not amend or affect the regulatory activities or procedures authorized under other law.